In British Columbia, several rules and precautions must be followed during excavation work to ensure safety. Here's a summary:

1. Underground Utilities: Before starting any excavation, the employer must identify and mark the location of all underground pipes, cables, and conduits in the work area [1]. It is also important to confirm the locations of underground utilities with the local government or public service company before working in the area 5, 8, 10, 12.
2. Barricades: Any excavation or trench that poses a hazard to employees must be surrounded by a highly visible barricade [1].
3. Shoring and Bracing: For excavations or trenches deeper than 1.4 meters with sides sloped at an angle of 45 degrees or more to the horizontal, the walls must be supported by shoring and bracing as the excavation progresses [1]. This shoring and bracing must be installed and removed by a qualified person or under their supervision [2].
4. Alternative Shoring Systems: As an alternative to shoring and bracing, employers can use a system of steel plates and bracing, welded or bolted together, that can support the trench walls from ground level to the bottom and be moved along as work progresses [1].
5. Safe Distance: Tools, machinery, timber, excavated materials, or other objects must be kept at least 1 meter away from the edge of the excavation or trench [2].
6. Slopes and Overhangs: Never undercut or dig beneath a cliff or overhang, as this could cause landslides or falling rocks and debris 2, 3, 4, 9, 11.
7. Limited Movement Areas: Exercise extreme caution when working in areas with limited space, such as tunnels, bridges, or around electrical power lines 2, 3, 5, 12. Use a signal person to assist with maneuvering in these areas and maintain a safe distance from obstacles 2, 3, 5, 12.
8. Deep Excavation: During deep excavation, avoid contact between the arm or hydraulic piping and the side of the trench or hole. Also, do not allow the arm to contact the crawler shoe when operating with the arm below horizontal 2, 3, 4, 6, 9.
9. Slopes: When operating machinery on a slope, place the crawlers parallel to the slope and swing the upper structure slowly, especially when rotating it toward the downhill side with a load [3]. Be aware that the weight of the upper structure could cause it to rotate when the machine stops on a slope [3].
10. Utilities: Before starting work, confirm the locations of underground utilities such as gas, water, phone, and electrical power lines 5, 8, 10, 12. Inspect the worksite for evidence of unmarked utilities and piping 5, 8, 10, 12.